ISL: Ranko Popovic ends his stay with FC Pune City

The Serbian gaffer guided Pune City to their first ever play-offs in 2017/18...

Ranko Popovic, the head coach of Indian Super League (ISL) side Pune City, has stepped down from his position, announced the club on Wednesday. The Serbian tactician had a phenomenal season with Pune City as they reached the play-offs for the first time in four attempts.

Goal had revealed earlier that Popovic and FC Pune City were set to part ways.

The former Real Zaragoza & Buriram United FC coach joined the Stallions in September 2017 taking over the reins from Antonio Habas. They finished fourth on the league table but was knocked out by Bengaluru FC in the semi-finals.

Young players like Gurtej Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan and Sarthak Golui flourished under his guidance as the club ended up scoring 31 goals through the season, more than twice of what the club scored in its previous season.

“FC Pune City was, is and will remain very close to my heart. The players, the support staff and the management ensured my transition was smooth and everyone played their role to perfection for us to have a great season.

"But the decision to part ways is one of the toughest I have had to make for a while. The professionalism of the management and the fans support made my job here a memorable one and I wish the club all the best for the future,” said Popovic as he parted ways to seek 'fresh challenges'.